Real to take Heinze 'risk'

Defender set to face Roma after six weeks out

Last updated: 18th February 2008

gabriel heinze real madrid

Heinze: Returns against Roma

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Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster admits he will have to 'take a risk' on the fitness of Gabriel Heinze against Roma.

Heinze has not played for Real since picking up an injury against Real Zaragoza in early January which was expected to rule him out for two months.

But, with Marcelo injured, the Argentina international is set to start at left-back for the first leg of Real's UEFA Champions League tie with Roma on Tuesday.

"Unfortunately Heinze did not play a single minute against Betis, but I think we're going to have to take a risk with him," admitted Schuster.

Desire

"But I think he is in shape and has the desire to help us. Maybe he won't play the whole match.

"It's important to have him back."

Meanwhile, Raul outlined his view that the Spanish champions need to score at Stadio Olimpico as Real continue their quest for honours.

"It's essential that we don't concede a goal and always try to score one ourselves," said Raul.

"If we manage to do this we will be able to say that we have completed our mission.

"For now everything is going well, also in the league, but it will be over the next coming months that we will see if this team is capable of going all the way in every competition."